Salem water advisory extended after low-level toxins detected

Salem's tap water remains off limits for certain people through the weekend, city officials said Friday, two days after an advisory tied to low-level toxins was reissued.

The advisory was issued Wednesday, after traces of cyanotoxins were detected in water samples. Though the water is safe for most people, city officials say young children, pregnant women and other vulnerable populations should avoid it for now.

The cyanotoxins are caused by the blue-green algae blooms in Detroit Reservoir. The public lake, which is fed by the Santiam River, is the source of the city's drinking water.

Test results received Friday indicated the presence of cyanotoxins, the city said on its website. The advisory cannot be lifted until two consecutive days of clean test results are recorded, meaning it will remain in effect through at least Monday.

In both cases, the advisory affected Salem and Turner residents and customers of the East Salem Water District and the Orchard Heights Water Association. It applied to children younger than 6; the elderly; pregnant and nursing women; people on dialysis or with compromised immune systems; and pets.